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2005:04 INCLUSIVE WORDING FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM ENGLISH VERSION

Background:

The original English words for “O Canada” were gender-neutral. The phrase "All thy sons" was adopted by Act of Parliament in 1914.

The NCWC initiated a survey among its members in 1982-83, leading to approval of changes from “all thy sons” to “all of us” and “native land” to “cherished land.” However, these changes were not formalized as a Policy statement.

This Resolution aims to rectify that oversight.

Whereas:

  1. Our National Anthem should resonate with everyone in Canada; and
  2. The words “native land” may be interpreted to refer only to those born in Canada; and
  3. The word “sons” is not inclusive of all genders.

Resolved:

  1. That the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) adopt as policy that the words of the National Anthem should be inclusive of everyone; and
  2. That the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to update the National Anthem’s lyrics to replace “native land” with “cherished land,” and “all thy sons” with “all of us.”